Olivia is a big fan of the horse movies "Dreamer" and "Flicka" and we're frequently hearing the request to "ride horse" after she watches them.  Up until yesterday, her experience on a horse was limited to the electric horse ride at the mall.  That has now changed.

We found an "open barn" event and Emailed to see if it would be ok for Olivia to ride (given her age). They assured us some gentle ponies would be available for the younger/smaller children and they'd love to have us come out...so we did!

We prepared Olivia for the big event and the news was met with shouts of "YAY!!!" and her signature 'happy dance'.  Upon arrival at the farm she grew quiet but you could see the excitement in her face.  We found a helmet that (almost) fit her and picked a horse.  Her first ride around the ring was done bareback.  She gripped Belle's mane and, though she started sliding a little to the right, did a great job!  There weren't too many little kids there, at the start, so Olivia was fortunate to take several more rides around...these times with a saddle which helped her keep her seat a bit better.

We thanked the owner for the wonderful opportunity and then spent some time walking around to see the other horses, some dogs that were too hot to care about Olivia wanting to play with them and fed a BUNCH of carrots to the 14-year-old horse "Bubbles".  

This was 'one of those moments' you get as a parent when you just know you've made a lasting memory for your child.  The day additionally provided Olivia with some 'non-traditional' therapy that calmed her senses to all her to focus on this special and exciting occasion.  it was a great afternoon for all of us.